Intravascular devices, systems, and methods having a core wire with embedded conductors

Abstract

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire with electrical conductors embedded within a core wire. In some instances, the electrical conductors are coupled to conductive bands adjacent a proximal portion of the guide wire and a sensing element adjacent a distal portion of the guide wire. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A sensing guide wire, comprising:
 a flexible elongate member sized and shaped to be inserted into a blood vessel of a patient, wherein the flexible elongate member comprises a core wire having a solid cross section, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a main body extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion; 
 a sensing element disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member and configured to measure a characteristic associated with the blood vessel while positioned inside the blood vessel; and 
 at least two non-coaxial electrical conductors in communication with the sensing element, wherein the at least two non-coaxial electrical conductors are spaced apart from one another and extend from the proximal portion to the distal portion, 
 wherein, in the main body, the at least two non-coaxial electrical conductors are completely disposed within the solid cross section of the core wire, and 
 wherein, at the proximal portion and the distal portion, the at least two non-coaxial electrical conductors are exposed. 
 
     
     
       2. The sensing guide wire of  claim 1 , further comprising a lubricating coating over the core wire along a majority of a length between the proximal portion and the distal portion. 
     
     
       3. The sensing guide wire of  claim 1 , wherein, at the proximal portion, the at least two non-coaxial electrical conductors are exposed at staggered longitudinal positions. 
     
     
       4. The sensing guide wire of  claim 1 , wherein the sensing element comprises at least one of a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       5. The sensing guide wire of  claim 1 , further comprising a first flexible element extending from the main body, over the distal portion, to the sensing element. 
     
     
       6. The sensing guide wire of  claim 5 , wherein the first flexible element comprises at least one of a coil, a polymer tubing, or a coil embedded polymer tubing. 
     
     
       7. The sensing guide wire of  claim 5 , further comprising a second flexible element extending distally from the sensing element. 
     
     
       8. The sensing guide wire of  claim 7 , wherein the second flexible element comprises at least one of a coil, a polymer tubing, or a coil embedded polymer tubing. 
     
     
       9. The sensing guide wire of  claim 7 , wherein the second flexible element comprises a radiopaque tip. 
     
     
       10. The sensing guide wire of  claim 7 , wherein the second flexible element is radiopaque. 
     
     
       11. The sensing guide wire of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the proximal portion of the core wire comprises a first diameter, 
 wherein the main body of the core wire comprises a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and 
 wherein the distal portion of the core wire comprises a third diameter smaller than the second diameter. 
 
     
     
       12. The sensing guide wire of  claim 11 , wherein the first diameter and the third diameter are between about 30% and about 90% of the second diameter. 
     
     
       13. The sensing guide wire of  claim 11 , wherein the second diameter is between about 0.013″ and about 0.034″. 
     
     
       14. The sensing guide wire of  claim 11 , wherein the first diameter and the third diameter are between 0.005″ and about 0.032″. 
     
     
       15. The sensing guide wire of  claim 11 ,
 wherein the distal portion of the core wire further comprises a first distal portion and a second distal portion distal to the first distal portion, and 
 wherein the first distal portion comprises the third diameter and the second distal portion comprises a fourth diameter smaller than the third diameter. 
 
     
     
       16. The sensing guide wire of  claim 15 , wherein the fourth diameter is between about 10% and about 80% of the second diameter. 
     
     
       17. The sensing guide wire of  claim 1 , wherein the core wire comprises a metal. 
     
     
       18. The sensing guide wire of  claim 1 , wherein the core wire comprises a solid cylindrical body.